Hyde Park Transitions

Hello, all.  What a week!  It started with being called to a birth last Sunday, the very moment Elise and Alex were picking up their boys to take them home (we had a very fun time with the boys, by the way, while the parents were in Washington).   All turned out very well at the birth and I only missed one night of sleep.

Emma had a tremendous week, as she alluded to.  She received her second Young Womanhood recognition and medallion.  It was quite special.  Then she received the highest award possible at the marching band closing dinner.  Dad and I were going to leave early to check on Thomas, but when I talked with one of the band staff she said I might really want to stay until the end of the awards.  Well, your baby sister received the Most Valuable Player award for this year.  It is voted on by her peers, who think she is pretty great (a good example, good leader, good friend) - which she is! Then she got a phone call to see if she wanted a temporary job (that may very well work into more permanent work) at Kitchen Kneads.  They need help with small jobs, like gift wrapping, etc., during the holiday season.  Looks like she'll be working instead of shopping on Black Friday this year!!

Thomas had surgery on Thursday and is realizing it may be a longer recovery than he anticipated.  He is draining and draining.  Dr. Blotter said everything went well and he was able to do everything he had planned to do.  In the end, it will be a blessing, but for now he's still pretty drugged up and can't taste anything or breathe through his nose, which is still bandaged.  Good thing he is young and healthy and "tough as a boot!"  He'll do fine, but it would be great to keep him in your prayers.  

Dad recovered in time from Stake Conference last week to have a ward conference yesterday.  Both were very uplifting and instructive.  He always worries and frets and gets stomach aches during Stake Conference, but it always turns out really well.

Then I finished off the week with another all night, Sunday night, birth.  It was a beautiful birth also. Gotta love busy weeks like this with lots of good things happening.  We are excited to have the Nilssons and Mannings come for Thanksgiving!  It will be quieter than usual, but will be great to have someone spend the day with us! 

Oh, I must tell a funny story....  So, I was getting ready for Stake Conference last Sunday and was nervous because I had to speak.  Emma was helping the Hart boys get some lunch.  They were playing a game at the table - "Whoever likes watermelon, raise your hand!"  They would take turns calling out something to like and vote on.  Then, Peter said, "Whoever likes pasta, raise your hand!" After a moment I heard Jack say, "All opposed, by the same sign!"  I laughed until I cried! So very funny!  So funny, in fact, that I had to tell it at the conference (which aided in calming my nerves) and the whole place roared with laughter!  Funny, funny Jack :)

P.S.  We are making plans for our 2nd annual Belliston Christmas party.  Please mark your calendars for December 10th.  You are welcome to come on the 9th, if you'd like!  We'll have food, family and fun!  I'll get some invites made soon and send them along.  If you have conflicts with that date, please let me know so we can schedule a time that will work for most of us.